Bionic has been awarded Cradle to Cradle accreditation at the bronze level for its HLX and DPX yarn structures, becoming the only fibers containing recycled plastic to be certified by the products innovation institute.
The company, which turns plastic waste into high-performance thread and fabric and has been hell-bent on helping the environment since its inception six years ago, started working towards Cradle to Cradle certification in 2014, when it joined the organization’s Fashion Positive initiative in an effort to optimize its supply chain practices.
“We pride ourselves on the environmental impact and accomplishments Bionic has achieved over the years, however when [Cradle to Cradle co-founder] William McDonough challenged us to push our vision to the limit, we knew it was time to take it to the next level,” Tim Coombs, co-founder of Bionic, said.
HLX, suitable for high-performance applications including outerwear, automotive, commercial and industrial uses, comprises a helix structure that provides texture while wrapping an RPET (recovered plastic) core.
DPX comes in two compositions: a dual staple fiber construction that blends recycled PET fibers together with natural fibers to form a soft-textured yarn; and a 100 percent RPET. Both options can be used for knit and woven fabric applications and is available in ring, siro, open-end, air-jet and vortex spun forms.
Bronze certification means that at least three-quarters of these yarns’ homogeneous materials by weight have been assessed and do not contain chemicals on Cradle to Cradle’s list of banned substances above permitted thresholds. In addition, the products are designed to be recycled or to biodegrade.
A facility-wide water audit as well as a full social responsibility self-audit have also been completed, while a renewable energy use and carbon management strategy has been developed.
Bionic’s HLX and DPX yarns are now included on Cradle to Cradle’s certified product registry.